Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1887-08-19

mo indeed, Georgel it is only meant
for me. But really / can't understand
what you mean by saying Claud is here,
and going to stay the night Surely you
mean Cecil?"
"No, don't; mean Claud. What
is the matter with you? What the deuce
is all the mystery about?"
Dora firmly intended not to tell, but
Maclean insisted upon knowing, and
out it all came. The reason Jessie
had not written was briefly this: Her dear
Claud had answered her letter accepting
him, at great length. After long pre-
face expatlating on her attractions and
his love, he had proceeded to explain his
position. He had, he said, been heavy
loser owing to the rascality of a lawyer.
This bad news had only reached him after
he had asked her to be his wife, or he
would never have presumed to take such
step. His prospects now depended upon
the whims of a rich old maiden aunt,
who had prejudice against matrimony,
and was certain to alter her will if she
heard he was married Consequently,
though most loath to propose such
course, he saw nothing for it but to
marry privately.
Il needn't say, dear" (wound up Jes-
sie), "that, under the circumstances,
agreed. Besides, it is so nice and TO-
mantle, and it isn't like runaway match,
for papa has already consented, and the
want of money is my own lookout, added
to which l have enough for both, and
shall now escape those tiresome settle
ments papa is so full of. AS to the old
aunt | don't care a straw for her money;
but naturally the dear fellow can't bear
TO be dependent on his wife, so l have
given in, especially as she can't last long,
Claud tells me-"
Il don't quite see why they are in
such a hurry" observed Dora looking
up from her letter with puzzled air.
But $50 on" was the only answer
vouchsafed by her husband, and she con-
tinued:
Il must sleep in town one night, as |
can't possibly get up from here in time
to be married before noon: but it will be
all right, as Claud has arranged to meet
me by the last train and take me for the
night to his aunt, Mrs. Stancombe. who
is in the secret. Now. like
dear, do back me up" the writer con-
cluded. "for must say am going on a
visit to you. For obvious reasons Claud
enioins me to tell no one, but l made a
mental reservation in Your favor.
"And precious lucky she has, too, )"
commented George when that clause was
reached. Il scented mischief, and so
insisted on seeing the letter. 1t was I'M
commonly fortunate | met Claud this
afternoon.
Why faltered Dora. now thor
oughly alarmed she scarcely knew at
what.
because when l casually congratu-
lated him on his engagement he repudi-
ated it altogether.
Dora was fairly fiabhergasted and in
capable of asking another question.
Let us see, continued her husband.
"When does this internal marriage come
off? Does Jessie say? Yes, on the 18th.
Why, that is tomorrow. BY Jove, there
is no time to be lost
So Claud thought when, an hour later,
he arrived at the Macleans'. Between
what he knew and Jessie's letter it was
easy to see exactly what had happened.
Cecil had taken advantage of the acct
dental identity of his own and his cousin S
initial and was about to entrap Jessie
into marriage with him. The rascally
lawyer and the maiden aunt were both
myths. The relation at whose house
Jessie believed she was to pass the night
had. Claud said, been long dead. Cecil
game evidently was to get the girl tc
meet him alone in London, at late hour
and then to avail himself of her forlorr
position, and brighten her into marrying
him. In Claud's opinion he was capable
of anything. But he had omitted one
important factor-the bosom friend.
1t was clear that there was no time tC
be lost, and their plans were soon made
Fortunately, they could just catch E
train, which would enable them to get t.
town before 10, the hour at which Jes
sizes train was due at Cannon street
George telegraphed for rooms at the hote
for the night, and, without waiting fol
their meal, they started.
Meanwhile, the girl herself, little sus
pecting the trap laid for her, was being
rapidly carried to town. AS she sa
wrapped in her fur cloak in corner of I
first class carriage, she INDUCED il
dreams of the happiness she imagined
was in store for her, and was only rouset
from them by the porter's lusty cry
Cannon street! Cannon street," Sh
caught up her rug and bag, and, witt
beating heart and flushed cheeks, peereC
out into the darkness as the train drew
up. IF he should not be here, wha
should she dor" A sudden qualm o
terror seized her. But tall figure wa
, already at the carriage door.
"Claudr' exclaimed the girl. AM
then a cold SILVER ran over her; it wa
not Claud, but Cecil.
"Claud was prevented" -he began
when a familiar voice made her turl
, turn round.
! What the devil are you doing here?
, demanded Cecil, angrily.
! diminishing villainy," was the brie
t response. Then, in lower tones, h
added, Look here, Cecil, everything
: known, so you had best clear out and nc
3 make a scene"
! Apparently Cecil was of the same opir
: ion, and perceived that the game was VI
| Anyway, he skunk off, and his cousin re
4 NAMED victor of the field